Get Help in Northern Ireland

text: REACH to 077 97 805839

Women’s Aid Northern Ireland

About us

Women’s Aid is the lead voluntary organisation in Northern Ireland addressing violence against women and providing support services. Our services can be accessed from anywhere in Northern Ireland by ringing our Helpline (see number below).

How we can help

If you are being abused, physically, sexually, financially or emotionally, you have choices. Support is available in many forms. We provide a wide range of free services that are open to all women and girls, including women who are victims of trafficking. These include:

A 24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline – which can provide initial support and help you to consider your options

Emotional, financial and practical support

A safe place to stay and support through the process of exiting prostitution.

Contact us

Contact: 0808 802 1414 – our Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline, which is free to call. The Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or Text REACH to 07797 805 839

The Belfast Drop-in Service for Commercial Sex Workers provides specialist support for those involved in prostitution in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental drop-in location.

How we can help

Our services are for anyone involved in prostitution, and are run by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and a Public Health Nurse. Services include:

Advice on health protection and promotion

Sexual health advice

Condoms and emergency contraception

Pregnancy testing

Cervical smear tests

Sexual health screening and treatment

Emergency access to the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) service at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Signposting and access to other support services, including counselling, education and training programmes.

Contact us

Address: Bryson House, 28 Bedford St, Belfast, BT2 7FE

Drop-in hours: Thursday evenings from 18.00-22.00

Contact: 077 8633 8020 (to speak to the nurse)

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (the Rowan)

About us

The Rowan is the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Northern Ireland. We have a professional and highly-trained team that delivers a range of support and services 24 hours a day, all year round to anyone who has been sexually abused, assaulted or raped – whether this happened in the past or more recently.

How we can help

Services offered at the Rowan include:

Forensic medical examination by a specially-trained doctor (forensic evidence can be stored until you make a decision whether or not you wish to report to the police)

Emergency contraception

A course of treatment to help prevent the onset of HIV if you are considered at risk (this must be administered within 72 hours of the assault)

Screening and treatment for sexually-transmitted infections

Emotional support

Support in making a report to the police

Referral on to counselling and/or other appropriate support services, such as a local Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic